Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
more addictive than crack!, February 19, 2006
this infectious pop will never find its way to the airwaves and that's probably a good thing. it's way too smart for the masses. rhett miller, whoever he may be, is definitely an amazing songwriter. these songs are simply drooling with melody and rhythm. above that are smart to smart *ss lyrics that can make you laugh and cry within a single song.
i dare you to listen more than twice without becoming a rhett miller addict for life. you'll be jonesing for his next solo work, and you'll suddenly find yourself buying music from a band called "Old 97's" just because he's a member. This is really good stuff!!!
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Rhett Swims Further Into the Mainstream Without Selling Out, September 24, 2002
Anyone who has followed the evolution of Miller's band Old 97's will likely accept this solo CD as the next step in Miller's journey from cowpunk/country-rock to power pop. While a few tracks on "The Instigator", such as the wonderfully gritty and country-tinged "The El" or "Four Eyed Girl" would not sound out of place on recent Old 97's discs, most of this outing finds Miller pouring his heart out in smart, short, sweet pop songs. The ballad "Come Around" may be THE song that breaks Miller into VH1 land but it won't be because he sold his soul or drastically changed his sound. The song is beautiful, believable, and instantly catchy and it's just one of several that really shine on this CD. Other higlights include "Our Love", a nice under 3-minute rave up; the autobiographical "This Is What I Do"; "Things That Disappear", co-written with producer Jon Brion; and "Point Shirley", featuring some great back-up vocals from Robyn Hitchcock. For fans of Old 97's it goes like this: If you liked their last two albums then you'll love "The Instigator". If you're a bigger fan of the "Wreck Your Life"/"Too Far To Care" days then this CD may leave you longing. Finally, if you have no idea who the Old 97's are but do like artists such as Pete Yorn, Ryan Adams, Glen Philips, or John Mayer then Rhett Miller will make your day.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It ain't the 97's... but who cares?, October 11, 2002
By A Customer
If you're an oldtime Old 97's fan, you know pretty well the evolution of the band: indie alt-country heroes to major-label power-poppers with heaps of critical praise, just THAT close to being big rock stars. This album, the first (or second) major solo release from lead singer Rhett Miller (depends on if you count Mythologies, about 12 years ago), does not sound like the 97's. But who cares?
It's full of classy, peppy pop songs that are quirky and clever without sounding too pretentious or precious. Rhett can make high-falutin' allusions (Kafka and Wagner IN THE SAME TRACK!) without sounding like a snob, and he can deliver earnest love songs, upbeat rockers... you name the song, he can probably do it.
Rhett is probably not going for a no. 1 single with this album, but he doesn't have to... these songs stand alone as great songs, and together they make a great album. The writing combines an Elvis Costello-like intelligence and wit with a Ben Folds-like lighter touch. Altogether, it's a great album, and with only 12 tracks and a length of about 40 minutes, it's sure to leave you wanting more.
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